DOHA HER Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser on Monday launched the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s (QF) new Qatar National Library (QNL) project.
HH Sheikha Moza unveiled the project in the presence of the QNL project team and a number of international guests.
The launching of QNL coincided with the 23rd Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information titled ‘KNOW’, which opened on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, HH Sheikha Moza said, “We are pleased to embark on building a new, world-class Qatar National Library.
The library’s vision of building a bridge between Qatar’s heritage and future demonstrates the significant role the QNL will play in unlocking human potential as Qatar builds a knowledge-based economy. A modern and dynamic national library for the country is essential in reaching this goal.” Earlier in his welcome address, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al Kuwari said: “The launch of the Qatar National Library coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Dar-al-Kutub (Qatar Books Library), which opened in Doha in 1962. The new library will play an important role in preserving our heritage and archives. At the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, we are working to sustain as well as develop our heritage.” QNL Project Director Dr Claudia Lux said, “Under the visionary leadership and inspiring direction of Her Highness Sheikha Moza, we are proud to announce the development of a project, which will be a strong digital library and a virtual reference desk.” Chairman of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Dr.
Hassan al Surayhi highlighted the role of governments, private sector, information agencies and education institutions in establishing a knowledge- base community.
Designed by the world famous architect Rem Kooulhaas, the new QNL will officially open in 2014.
The library will operate a Qatar Reference Service system and provide access to over 60 online databases and websites and will have over 300 computers, wi-fi and multi-media production studios.
The QNL will partner with British Library to digitise 500,000 records relating to Qatar. An ‘e-hub’ at the library will make millions of electronic books and documents accessible to the users through mobile phones and other handheld devices.
In addition to providing access to significant digital heritage collection about Qatar, the QNL will also introduce the Gulf and Arab science online portal. The platform will be launched using digitised material from the British Library’s Indian Office Archive as well as its famous oriental manuscripts.
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